Rwanda’s Minister of Agriculture and Animal Resources, Dr. Telesphore Ndabamenye, has urged farmers and livestock keepers to embrace innovation and modern farming practices to boost production and strengthen food security.
The minister made the call on Friday, July 31, 2026, while closing the 19th Agriculture and Livestock Exhibition held in Kigali, where he challenged stakeholders to turn ideas and technologies showcased at the event into practical solutions on farms.
The 10-day exhibition, which ran from July 22 under the theme “Accelerating the transformation of agriculture and livestock through innovation and partnerships,” brought together more than 600 participants, including farmers, researchers, investors and sector partners.
Ndabamenye praised the innovations displayed during the exhibition, highlighting advances in agricultural research, improved inputs, mechanisation, livestock technologies, value addition and investment as key drivers of sector growth.
“I saw many impressive initiatives in research, innovation, agricultural inputs, the use of machinery in agriculture and livestock, value addition, livestock technologies, youth and women-led projects, as well as investment in agriculture,” he said.
He called on farmers and other stakeholders to apply the lessons learned from the exhibition ahead of the 2027A farming season, which begins in September.
“The impact of this exhibition will be measured by the speed of agricultural and livestock transformation, reflected in increased production and the overall development of the country,” the minister said.
Ndabamenye urged participants not to miss opportunities created by the exhibition and encouraged continued efforts to improve food production.
“I wish you good health and prosperity. Let there be food in Rwanda,” he said.
The exhibition served as a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, showcase technologies and explore solutions to challenges affecting agriculture and livestock development.
This year’s edition recorded the highest number of exhibitors since the event began, with participation rising from previous figures of 100, 200, 300 and 400 exhibitors to 500 in 2025 and 670 in 2026.
Top exhibitors and innovators were awarded for their contribution to agricultural development through the introduction of new technologies and solutions aimed at increasing productivity.
Agriculture and livestock remain central to Rwanda’s economy, accounting for about 19% of the country’s gross domestic product, while approximately 70% of industries depend on agricultural and livestock products as raw materials.
